I just don't think the Mariners are really addressing their needs that well w/ their signings. Ibanez was OK, but they paid way too much, both in terms of $ and the draft picks they gave up. I'm sure they have a plan, but I don't see the genius behind it.

If I were playing third base and my mother were rounding third with the run that was going to beat us, I'd trip her. Oh, I'd pick her up and brush her off and say, 'Sorry, Mom,' but nobody beats me.
Leo Durocher, Brooklyn Dodgers Manager

Area51's wrote:I just don't think the Mariners are really addressing their needs that well w/ their signings. Ibanez was OK, but they paid way too much, both in terms of $ and the draft picks they gave up. I'm sure they have a plan, but I don't see the genius behind it.

I like the Mariners signings so far. Ibanez is an upgrade in the outfield, and a left-handed bat with power that they really needed. Guardado is a slight upgrade compared to Arthur Rhodes as a left-handed set up pitcher. Re-signing Hasagawa was a nice move as well. However, real success this off-season for the Mariners is going to depend on if they can get Tejada signed or not.

I think the Mariners are nickel and diming themselves to death on these relievers and mediocre players. They may know they can get rid of Sasaki so I qualify this on that basis, but the way I see it having hasagawa at 3 mil , Guardado at 4+ and say, signing Ibanez at almost 4 isn't a better option then going out and trying to get into the bidding for vlad at around 12 mil or so or Tejada at less than 10, and taking your chances with Sasaki, Soriano, Mateo and some other less proven relievers. The Mariners had one guy last year with 25 hr, 100+rbi and they aren't getting any younger.

The problem with the idea that the M's would have been better off spending their money on one person vs. a handful is that they have NEVER done that, and NEVER will. The ownership and leadership believe in the concept of a balanced team (whether that works or not is up for debate ====> no rings yet). I'm certainly not saying I agree with the idea, but I do believe the M's are signing quality players in their desired salary range.

I'll go out on a short limb here and say that Sasaki will go back to Japan and Soriano will be a starter.

That leaves Hasegawa to set up for Guardado.

Yes doctor, I am sick.Sick of those who are spineless.Sick of those who feel self-entitled.Sick of those who are hypocrites.Yes doctor, an army is forming.Yes doctor, there will be a war.Yes doctor, there will be blood.....